Press Releases

The Orange Cones are Back: RIDOT's Construction Season is Underway

Today marks the first week of the official start of construction season for the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT). That means Rhode Islanders will notice more signs, orange cones and construction zones throughout the State’s highway system.

“This time of year is especially busy for our Department,” said RIDOT Director Michael P. Lewis. “Since our full season began in earnest last Friday, more activity will be occurring within our roadway construction sites. We want to remind all motorists to be aware and drive with care.”

Several projects are set to be underway this construction season. They include resurfacing improvements to Route 3, from South Main Street to Arizona Street, in Coventry, and to Route 116, from Route 44 to Route 104, in Smithfield. The Department will also replace the sidewalks at the Chepachet River Bridge on Route 44 in Chepachet, and rehabilitate the Weekapaug Bridge on Atlantic Avenue in Westerly.

Other upcoming projects include the replacement of the Conant Street Bridge in Pawtucket and the Branch Avenue Bridge in Providence, and repairs to the Cove Bridge in Portsmouth.

RIDOT will also make roadway improvements to Waterfront Drive, from I-195 to Dexter Road in East Providence, and to Dunns Corner Road, from Route 1 to Route 91, in Westerly. Improvements will also be made to Route 2, from Route 102 to Route 4, in East Greenwich and North Kingstown, and to Hope Street, from Thames Street to Constitution Street, in Bristol. Additionally, the Department will resurface I-95 in both directions from Exits 5 to 8 in West Greenwich, East Greenwich, and West Warwick.